Chapter 1
The sun rose lazily over Dwarka, bathing its golden walls in a soft, radiant glow. The city buzzed with life as fishermen called out to each other, vendors arranged their wares, and the waves danced against the shore, a melody only Dwarka could claim as its own.
In the grand palace, Vaidehi stood on her balcony, soaking in the serene morning. The scent of jasmine and salt filled the air, blending with the faint sounds of temple bells in the distance.
"Jiji!" came a familiar voice, as energetic as the morning breeze.
Turning, Vaidehi smiled as her younger sister, Subhadra, bounded into the room. Her eyes sparkled, her braid swayed behind her, and her enthusiasm was almost contagious.
"Jiji, Dau is already at the training grounds, and Bhrata said to call you for breakfast. You know he doesn't like waiting."
Vaidehi laughed softly. "Bhrata Krishna's impatience is legendary. Let's not keep him waiting."
The palace dining hall was alive with the usual morning chaos. At the head of the table sat Krishna, the Dwarkadheesh, radiating calm authority despite his playful demeanor. To his right was Balram, their Dau, who was piling his plate high with fruit and parathas.
"You're late, Vaidehi," Krishna said teasingly as Vaidehi and Subhadra settled into their seats.
"You're always saying time is a mortal constraint, Bhrata," Vaidehi shot back with a smirk. "So why the rush today?"
"Touché," Krishna replied with a grin. "But even the divine need their breakfast."
Subhadra giggled. "Don't argue with Bhrata, Jiji. He always finds a way to win."
"And if he doesn't," Balram added, his voice booming with laughter, "I'll sort him out at the training grounds."
"Dau, you say that every day, but Kanha always outsmarts you," Vaidehi teased, earning a mock scowl from Balram.
---
Later that day, the royal court convened. The hall buzzed with murmurs as nobles and ministers gathered, their eyes fixed on the raised dais where Krishna, the Dwarkadheesh, sat. His posture was relaxed yet commanding, his gaze sharp as he listened to the council. Beside him stood Balram, his presence a towering symbol of strength and protection.
Vaidehi entered gracefully, her moon-like radiance drawing respectful nods from the courtiers. She took her seat beside her siblings, her calm demeanor a stark contrast to the heated debate unfolding.
A palace guard entered the hall with a scroll in hand, bowing respectfully before Krishna. "A message from Hastinapur, Maharaj."
The hall fell silent as Krishna opened the scroll, his expression curious. As his eyes scanned the text, his lips curled into a soft smile.
"It's an invitation," he announced. "From Hastinapur. Bua Kunti has extended it to us for a grand Kala Pradarshan celebrating the arts."
For a moment, there was quiet, then Subhadra clapped her hands. "A Kala Pradarshan? That sounds exciting! Jiji, do you think we'll go?"
Vaidehi's brows furrowed slightly. "Hastinapur? Why now, Bhrata? They've been so embroiled in their own conflicts."
Krishna shrugged lightly, though his tone carried subtle weight. "Perhaps it's a gesture of goodwill from Bua Kunti. She wrote to pitashree stating that she misses us, maybe she wishes to see us?"
Vaidehi shot her brother a look, he knew everything and yet always kept quite.
Balram leaned back in his chair. "It's not just unity. Politics runs deep in such invitations. They'll want to observe us as much as we'll observe them."
"Still," Krishna interjected, his tone more cheerful, "it's an opportunity. And who better to represent Dwarka than my sisters?"
Subhadra's eyes widened. "Us? Truly?"
"Yes, Subhadra," Krishna said with a grin. "You and Vaidehi will attend. Vaidehi can handle the diplomacy, and you'll charm everyone with your grace."
"Jiji, we're going to Hastinapur!" Subhadra's voice was filled with unrestrained excitement. She clutched Vaidehi's arm, her happiness bubbling over.
Vaidehi smiled, her own excitement mingling with anticipation. "It's a great honor, Bhrata. We'll make sure Dwarka's name shines brightly."
Balram nodded approvingly. "That's the spirit. And remember, if anyone gives you trouble, send word. I'll personally come to deal with them."
"Dau, I think your mace scares people enough without you having to say it," Vaidehi teased, earning a hearty laugh from him.
---
As preparations began for their journey, Balram approached Vaidehi in the palace corridor. "Vaidehi, the court listens to you because you speak with both clarity and courage. But remember, diplomacy requires strength too." He handed her a small replica of his mace. "Keep this. A reminder that your Dau is always with you."
Vaidehi smiled, touched by his gesture. "I'll carry it, Dau. And your teachings too."
"Good," he said, patting her shoulder. "And if anyone in Hastinapur gives you trouble, send word. I'll come personally."
---
That evening, as the moonlight bathed the palace in silver, Vaidehi found Krishna sitting by the lotus pond, deep in thought. She joined him, the night air cool against her skin.
"Something on your mind, Bhrata?" she asked.
He looked at her, his expression unreadable. "Hastinapur is a complicated place, Vaidehi. The court is full of ambitions and secrets. You'll need to be sharp."
"I always am," she replied with a small smile.
"I know." He touched her hand gently. "But remember, sometimes the sharpest weapon is silence. Observe first, act later."
Vaidehi nodded, sensing the weight of his words. "I'll remember, Bhrata."
---
As dawn broke, the chariot stood ready in the courtyard. Subhadra climbed in with barely-contained excitement, her chatter filling the air.
"Jiji, we'll see the Kuru princes, won't we? I've heard so much about them!"
Vaidehi laughed, adjusting her veil. "We're not going for stories, Subhadra. This is a duty to Dwarka."
"Duty or not, it'll be an adventure!" Subhadra declared.
Krishna and Balram stood at the gates to bid them farewell. Krishna gave his sisters a reassuring nod. "Go with confidence. You carry Dwarka's pride with you."
"And don't forget," Balram added with a grin, "I'm just a messenger away."
As the chariot rolled away, Vaidehi looked back at her brothers. Their figures grew smaller, but their presence remained a comforting strength in her heart.
---
"I am worried for her kanha" Dau expressed his concern to kanha as they were alone again.
"I am worried for her too dau, but it's time for her to do what she was born to do" Krishna says his hands twirling with his fluet.
"And what about Subhadra?" Dau asks
"Subhadra's fate depends on Vaidehi's actions. Let us not worry. Our sister is strong" Krishna says keeping a hand on his brother's shoulder while Dau nods.
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